About Debbie Black
I am a commercially minded lawyer and founder who has spent more than three decades working alongside businesses when decisions matter most.
After training and working at leading firms including Weightmans and DLA Piper, I founded DGB Solicitors over 20 years ago to provide business-focused legal advice grounded in commercial reality.
Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of organisations, often as a troubleshooter, helping leaders prevent problems, contain risk, and resolve issues before they escalate.
A founder who understands pressure.
Running a regulated professional services business for two decades has shaped how I work.
I understand what it feels like to carry responsibility at the top and how isolating decision-making can be for founders and boards.
I see the tension between risk, opportunity and growth.
That experience means my advice is practical, proportionate and deeply rooted in what will actually work, not what looks good on paper.
Board-level perspective.
Risk and resilience planning
Governance and compliance
Culture and leadership challenges
Stress-testing decisions and structures
Joined-up thinking across advisors
The Collective Approach.
As founder of The Collective Advisory Board, I’ve built a trusted network of senior professionals across legal, finance, HR, marketing, technology and property.
When businesses face multi-layered challenges, this allows me to put the right team around the issue, quickly and effectively.
How I Work.
My approach is pragmatic and personal. I work with:
- Boards and leadership teams
- Founders and owners
- Businesses under pressure or at inflection points
ngagements are flexible, either project-based, advisory or retainer, depending on what the situation requires.
